Got tired muscles from walking and standing all day at Universal Studios? Exhausted after a long day at the aquarium or Osaka’s other famous destinations? A trip to one of Japan’s relaxation paradises could be just what the doctor ordered.

This article will dive into all of the soothing details of each location. Whether you want to unwind after a long day of sightseeing or you want to sightsee while you soak in a tub (you’ll see), there’s a spa in Osaka that’s perfect for you.

1. Hotel Monterey La Soeur Trinite Spa

Location: Chuo Ward, Osaka
Price: ¥1,250 for hotel guests, ¥3,000 for visitors

Hotel Monterey is one of the top places to stay in Osaka, but it has more than just beds. Inside, you’ll find the Trinite spa, a heaven for anyone looking to unwind after a long day, even those who aren’t staying the night.

The brand has a spa in Kyoto, too, and the layout is similar. Guests get access to extended hours in the morning, smaller fees, and piping hot water from 1,000 meters underground. Here are a few of the other options available at Hotel Monterey:

• Various massage courses for a separate fee
• Calming baths
• Beauty salon

2. Solaniwa Onsen

Location: Osaka Bay Tower
Price: ¥2,640 and ¥2,860 on holidays

Want to experience Japanese culture while washing your troubles away? Solaniwa Onsen has you covered.

Located centrally in Osaka’s Bay Tower, Solaniwa Onsen has an old-timey Japan theme that might make you think of Ghibli’s Spirited Away. Of course, Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s most famous onsen, was supposedly the true inspiration for that film, but this Osaka spa manages to capture a similar feel.

The designers had the Azuchi-Momoyama-era in mind, and the lobby is packed with colorful nods to that time in Japanese history. Head inside, and you can experience a little more of it for yourself.

In terms of services and facilities, you’ll find the following at Solaniwa Onsen:

• Festival style game corner and arcade
• 3,000 square meters of garden, including foot baths
• Several types hot spring baths
• Private baths for rent
• Stone saunas

3. Tennen Onsen (Naniwa no Yu)

Location: Kita Ward, Osaka
Price: ¥850 base fee (¥950 on weekends)

Tennen Onsen, or Naniwa no Yu, is a spacious bathhouse located a short train ride away from Osaka station. There are a variety of baths to enjoy from rock baths that make you feel like you’re right out in nature to ‘pot baths’ – big bowls of hot water that seat one person.

This Osaka spa sources its natural hot spring water from nearly 700 meters underground, so you know you’re getting the good stuff. It’s also why it’s on our list of top natural onsen in Osaka.

There are also a variety of other services available at Tennen Onsen:

• Infrared and steam saunas
• Salt sauna for women
• Facial scrubs
• Massages

There aren’t many tourist attractions in the area, but it’s only a 10 minute bus ride from Osaka station, so you’re pretty much in the thick of things.

4. Spa World

Location: Naniwa ward, Osaka
Price: ¥1,500

If you consider yourself a super fan of baths, Spa World is a must-visit. It’s a massive complex that doubles as a hotel and even has a small arcade on the second floor. But you won’t be spending much time there, because the main attractions will keep you busy.

Two full floors of Spa World are dedicated to baths, separated based on sex. Each one has a different theme based on either Asian or European baths, and access to men and women are rotated each month. Think of it as a bathing world tour.

For example, baths are dedicated to places like Ancient Rome, Spain, Finland, and even Atlantis. The Asian floor features different styles of Japanese baths and nods to other cultures like Bali and Islam. You can walk around and try each and every one at your own speed, taking breaks in between for the ultimate relaxation experience.

Spa World also has a few other perks to offer. Here are a few:

• A swimming pool with water slides
• Infrared stone saunas
• Massage services
• Salt saunas
• A gym

5. Meguri Spa

Location: Kita ward, Osaka
Price: Differs based on menu choice

What makes Meguri Spa in Osaka unique is that it’s a spa in the more traditional sense of the word. In other words, it provides professional body care services with no public baths.

It’s a place to get spoiled by a spa that’s a finalist for awards every year, and as a bona fide luxury spa, the prices are quite a bit higher than everything else on this list. However, if you’re in the mood to get pampered, this is the place to go.

Here are a few of the items on the menu:

• Wellness journey based on traditional Japanese tea ceremony
• Massage courses for men and women
• An extensive list of body treatments

6. Yao Onsen Kita no Yu

Location: East Osaka
Price: ¥800 (900 on weekends and holidays)

Tucked away on the eastern side of Osaka is Yao Onsen, one branch location of a larger Japan-wide spa and onsen brand called Kita no Yu.

It’s a giant, sparkling facility with a total of ten different bath types, four stone saunas (ganbanyoku), and massage services available. Adding all of that up, it’s no wonder that it was rated 2022’s best onsen in west Japan and Osaka.

Here are some of the specifics of what makes Yao Onsen so great:

• Indoor and outdoor specialty baths
• 4 different stone saunas
• Massage courses
• Fitness center
• Restaurant

7. Aquaignis KIX

Location: Across the bridge from Kansai Airport
Price: ¥700 (800 on weekends and holidays)

Got a layover in Osaka? Need to be at the airport for an early flight and booked a nearby hotel for the previous evening?

Aquaignis is a great option for those looking for a spa in Osaka that lines up with their travel plans. But it’s also worth a trip all on its own.

The baths overlook Osaka Bay, making it feel a little like you’re getting clean directly in the ocean, and there are other perks on top of that that’ll get you ooing and ahhing. Here are a few of the services offered:

• Open air, seaside baths
• Mineral mist sauna
• Restaurant

Conclusion

Already well-known for its amazing street food and vibrant nightlife, it’s about time people start to give the spas in Osaka the respect they deserve.

From traditional Japanese onsens to award-winning modern spas, this city has it all. Next time you’re there, think about winding down at a few of those spots in between visits to the more common stops. Your body will thank you.

Hotel Monterey photo by MASA (talk)（投稿者本人撮影） – GFDL, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10725768

Osaka Bay Tower photo by Fumihiko Ueno – File:The_Bay_Tower_Hotel_-_panoramio.jpg, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54105457